tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195183442024-03-07T08:27:40.947+00:00The Gown Newspaper - Archives'The Gown' is the independent student newspaper at Queen's University. The paper, founded in 1955, is run voluntarily by students and funded entirely by advertising without University or Students' Union assistance.
From terrorism to teletubbies, prostitution parties to political protests, 'The Gown' has reported it all, providing a colourful account of life within the University and within Northern Ireland.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-65648038632946383662008-08-04T14:43:00.002+01:002008-08-04T14:59:05.274+01:00Wake us up when September ends...As August crawls its way into 2008, we can all look forward to our return to QUB in just over a month. International students are booking flights back to Belfast, new leases begin on student accomodation, second and third year students ignore their dreaded reading lists, and campus toilets are getting a fresh coat of paint in preparation for new student "literature". <br /><br />With all that in mind <span style="font-style: italic;">The Gown</span> team lie in wait for all that is to come...We guarantee to keep a firm finger on the pulse of student life at QUB for yet another year.<br /><br />If you are interested in becoming a member of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Gown</span> team as a writer, advertising manager or other, then contact co-editors Charlene Small and Catherine Wylie at thegown@hotmail.com.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-46305627387648354492008-05-07T21:00:00.013+01:002008-05-08T02:27:46.376+01:00Exam Guessing Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEjaS1b_Iv46u8Br5OYhBtAzMF4laTschRtbBwJN8L-0rmjc-Zb7oHMyR86MxObWcJ964M2845V8jxvqBvp3j1pFKaplaiQYl2C5sDTUbacRCErLnecC0dLu6NE4837KlvYy3/s1600-h/exam-timetable.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197734189659579506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEjaS1b_Iv46u8Br5OYhBtAzMF4laTschRtbBwJN8L-0rmjc-Zb7oHMyR86MxObWcJ964M2845V8jxvqBvp3j1pFKaplaiQYl2C5sDTUbacRCErLnecC0dLu6NE4837KlvYy3/s200/exam-timetable.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >First the exam timetables are late and now the computers are down...this Russell Group University really is making life difficult for its students.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >The Student Executive (that's those guys fighting for your rights to party...sorry, we mean study) have launched a campaign, including letters to the VC (top dog at Queen's, Peter Gregson), petitions and even a shout-out involving a megaphone! The Deputy President wanted the VC to hear from his office window that "Queen's is a disgrace".</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >With reportedley 800 signatures so far, the petition is presumably aimed at resolving the problem for next year's examinations. At this stage (just over a week from the first provisional exam date) students are juggling revision with the cluedo-style game of wondering when exactly the exams are.</span><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">The executive have released a stern statement referring to student penalties for failing to meet deadlines, "If the University wants students to abide by their rules, then is it not about time they started to live up to them as well?"</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >. It is reported other Russell Group Universities released their exam timetables in March.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >Queen's was subject to a barrage of petitions earlier this semester when exam results were published later than the date specified online.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >To add to this an, albeit technical rather than administrative problem, with the networked computers (ie every single one in any of the Queen's buildings) has prohibited students from logging on and saving work to their hard drives in the past hour this evening. It is unknown at this stage how long the computers will be out of use but a librarian was "hopeful" the problem would be resolved soon.</span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:arial;" >Let us know your views on the issues.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#ffffff;"><em> As of 8th May the computers are up and running again and the timetables have now been made available on QOL. Perhaps Queen's just like to keep us on our toes? Or maybe it was the megaphone that did it!</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#ffffff;"></span>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-53853347457291685912008-04-28T12:35:00.002+01:002008-04-28T12:41:35.115+01:00Point of Clarification<em>The Gown</em> would like to clarify a point within their front page story which has been labelled as ambiguous.<br /><br />The quote from Pat McCarthy on sex offenders in the University area was included to highlight the problems in that area as well as to illustrate the presence of 'anti-social' community members more generally. It was not intended to label the man in question in the story as a sex offender.<br /><br />We apologise for any meaning which some may feel can be implied and hope this clarifies the point for all readers.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-63848255647098377342008-04-27T14:17:00.008+01:002008-04-27T15:25:19.862+01:00Spotlight on Sex Offenders in University Area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbGtrEEAHLP_1OpB4qs0zlIld15d_Nat0Onh_suvGqre3ac6tQN0XdFpWXK93bG9MP5C3gKaWAVguvGwe1kbrvQg5mBF9qAPn1wvpoj5KWooF0ZhAUZviQeE1KatB5h6nSSbC/s1600-h/Botanic+Gardens+sign+post.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193930448189754114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbGtrEEAHLP_1OpB4qs0zlIld15d_Nat0Onh_suvGqre3ac6tQN0XdFpWXK93bG9MP5C3gKaWAVguvGwe1kbrvQg5mBF9qAPn1wvpoj5KWooF0ZhAUZviQeE1KatB5h6nSSbC/s200/Botanic+Gardens+sign+post.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>The rape of an 18 year old girl in Botanic Gardens early this morning is the latest in a series of sexual assaults in the South Belfast area in recent times.<br /><br /></em>It is believed the girl was dragged into bushes by a man while walking on her own towards the Stranmillis exit of the Park. She had left a group of friends to go home, after they had been drinking in another area of the gardens.<br /><br />In a BBC report, local councillor Alasdair McDonnell admitted "this area around Queen's, the Holyland and South Belfast generally is seen as an easy area for this type of attack".<br /><br />Fellow SDLP councillor for the area, Pat McCarthy, confirmed in <em>The</em> <em>Gown </em>last week that, "The majority of sex offenders in Northern Ireland live in South Belfast, and the majority of them live in and around the University area. We know that for a fact".<br /><br />At present four wardens patrol the area (only two per shift) known as The Holylands, which stretches from Agincourt Avenue to University Street, from Sunday to Thursday.<br /><br />Botanic Gardens, a popular spot for students and the local community especially in May and June, is now receiving press and police attention for all the wrong reasons.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-54253666414175260322008-04-23T22:37:00.001+01:002008-04-23T22:39:13.506+01:00Gown exposes Toilet ScandalSecret University e-mails have exposed the reason for the closure of the Main library toilets over two years ago – University fears of ‘cottaging’, a term used for gay sex.<br /><br />BBC Online questioned the University under the Freedom of Information Act as a direct result of a Gown story last February. It was subsequently revealed that the activity had been “going on for a number of years” in an e-mail between staff members in 2006. <br /><br />Third year students and above may remember an all-student e-mail sent at the beginning of the 2006-7 academic year which referred to the toilets as a location for gay rendez-vous. The e-mail also contained harsh racist slurs. Spot checks and CCTV camera installation were considered as possible resolutions to the problem but in the end the toilets were closed.<br /><br />Officially, Queen's has remained reluctant to publicly acknowledge the matter. It states that the closure was due to a number of reasons, including the “over-supply of toilets within the library building”.<br /><br />Check out the BBC story here: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7329383.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7329383.stm</a>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-52076261731921951042008-04-23T22:16:00.003+01:002008-04-24T18:15:40.992+01:00New Issue Out Now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPFHPmbywGVnpmVAYTwrf9MZ_XfUlfSMWdQvd4lBX4rwQOx-kVbQYHtg6OFAzFf_SQVKPqErj6JM5Sm040CGy_RyrXlxMXxJzwFrdd7KFk93bUVY7B5EsAQIOj9HOAD1fJvV3/s1600-h/Gown_Screensaver2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192861675642915570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPFHPmbywGVnpmVAYTwrf9MZ_XfUlfSMWdQvd4lBX4rwQOx-kVbQYHtg6OFAzFf_SQVKPqErj6JM5Sm040CGy_RyrXlxMXxJzwFrdd7KFk93bUVY7B5EsAQIOj9HOAD1fJvV3/s200/Gown_Screensaver2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em>The</em> <em>Gown's</em> final issue of this academic year is available on campus now.</strong><br /><br />A man was found dead at a house on University Street two weeks ago. We talk exclusively to two students intimidated from Jerusalem Street as a result of his verbal abuse and physical damage to property. Four other households left the street between October 2007 and last month.<br /><br />We delve into the lives of Romanian immigrants in South Belfast - How much do we really know about the reality behind the frequent request to, "Buy a rose?".<br /><br />In this 40th anniversary year of the first civil rights protests of 1968, <em>The</em> Gown features former Queen's students, Bernadette McAliskey and Austin Currie as well as activists currently at the University.<br /><br />Are you offended? Check out the results of our survey of a number of Queen's students and decide for yourself. Has the world gone PC mad?<br /><br />Read about all of this plus the usual Student Shouts, Toilet Talk, The Hood and much more!</div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-34058906115414115192008-03-29T16:46:00.014+00:002008-03-31T14:27:50.250+01:00'Ruthless' rent demands to dead student's parentsThe recent news that the parents of a Co Armagh born student, who died suddenly while at University in Liverpool, may have to fight a court case over rent demands from their daughter's estate agent, has been greeted with scorn.<br /><br />Shauna McCann died just two months ago while in her second year of study to become a special needs teacher. Her parents, who have been caused "undue stress and worry" over the matter, have received numerous requests from Brownlow Property Management for the remaining rent which stands at £866 from March to June of this year . The estate agents have defended themselves saying they do not feel their pursuit of the rent is in any way "callous or unsympathetic", stating there is still a contract there to be fulfilled.<br /><br />However MLA for Newry and Armagh, Mickey Brady, condemned the demand as "ruthless" and displaying an "all about money, nothing about grief attitude". The Liverpool Daily Post reported that Liverpool Hope's Students' Union are said to be contacting the University to "find a solution and to spare the family any further suffering at this time". They have labelled the demand as "insensitive". At present the University has said they are not involved in the dispute.<br /><br />Landlords and estate agents have rarely been held in high esteem by students - this incident has done little to negate this image.<br /><br /><em>What are your views?</em>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-4411118160111076282008-03-19T19:08:00.004+00:002008-03-19T20:00:48.391+00:00Queen drops into Queen's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZgj81xYrM2v5OQlRUp7APhJck4NpKNi37ExtYg4y5rYQfCH7szcWMRJrESKEJrAqsUdpVRsWzn_jCKIrf_F5j__j_Rzhsg4qoSGrS-DmzoBAwWuQzmllCDd0eJrWqatUc3wf/s1600-h/Queen+at+Queen"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179544224643963858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZgj81xYrM2v5OQlRUp7APhJck4NpKNi37ExtYg4y5rYQfCH7szcWMRJrESKEJrAqsUdpVRsWzn_jCKIrf_F5j__j_Rzhsg4qoSGrS-DmzoBAwWuQzmllCDd0eJrWqatUc3wf/s200/Queen+at+Queen%27s+3++Mar+08.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Queen unveiled a stone in the black and white hall of Queen's today to mark the University's centenary year. The Royal visit, which was part of a three-day trip to Northern Ireland was quite low-key as regards news coverage however. A visit to East Belfast today and Armagh Cathedral tomorrow have received more press interest. <div><br /><div>Among the guests were outgoing First Minister Ian Paisley, Irish President Mary McAleese as well as various high-flyers in the world of business including founder of Galen, Allen McClay. The Queen arrived in a black landrover swarmed by security around lunchtime today, leaving some two hours later.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLUG0KV8FW6qqryBq09omO6q5sQGxUdoDckOjxXQG3n8JiCfjA3yYG7ubd21bk8-bkFgaWN9NGwRQMIY-7-ocP-0OXAUIWwojrBAa_zt7hMKcJFEjOma_whNNrZ2xu4yE8_rQ/s1600-h/PIC+-+Clinton+visit+closes+Queen"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179542420757699522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLUG0KV8FW6qqryBq09omO6q5sQGxUdoDckOjxXQG3n8JiCfjA3yYG7ubd21bk8-bkFgaWN9NGwRQMIY-7-ocP-0OXAUIWwojrBAa_zt7hMKcJFEjOma_whNNrZ2xu4yE8_rQ/s200/PIC+-+Clinton+visit+closes+Queen%27s.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>A number of student councillors were also given the opportunity to be present at the event. It seems however that the visit was planned some months before a motion was passed at council to invite the Queen to the University (see post below).</div><br /><div>Queen's hasn't seen such a high security presence since the then President of the US, Bill Clinton made a historic visit in 1995 (see picture).</div></div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-53919695710219102492008-03-09T17:39:00.007+00:002008-03-09T21:18:29.718+00:00Obama's campaign advisor announces resignation on same day she visits Queen's- John Beecher<br /><br />Pulitzer Prize winning author and Harvard professor Samantha Power's visit to Queen’s as part of her UK tour promoting her new book Chasing the Flame, caused an unusually high level of press interest on Friday.<br /><br />The talk was delayed due to a press gathering outside the Peter Froggatt Centre. This was due to Irish-born Power's resignation earlier that day as international affairs advisor to the Barack Obama presidential campaign over comments she made about Hillary Clinton in an interview with <em>The</em> <em>Scotsman</em> on March 4th. She labelled Clinton “a monster...that is off the record – she is stooping to anything.” Unfortunately for Power <em>The</em> <em>Scotsman</em> decided it was very much on the record and published her quote in full prompting the Clinton campaign to demand her resignation.<br /><br />Beginning her talk by describing her comments as inexcusable, the author attributed them to tiredness and frustration and warned the academics attending the lecture of the dangers of becoming entangled in politics. She also apologised both to Senator Clinton whom she claimed to think very highly of and to Senator Obama saying she hoped she could offer her services in a future administration. Power went on to joke that this was just about the worst way she had ever had to begin a lecture!Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-32851476893571181452008-03-09T12:59:00.009+00:002008-03-10T12:11:05.223+00:00DUP Family loses its Father<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdy7_gZOhc4uKswMPED63FSJ1tONyPmTi1mhSTB7WkYon2IkXkxkBuRhkZzZQnUSt8E1lbe0n5MI5zSVo-rKknknJvKa7-WZdr6oZ8E4jeWW6cEGQrz8EapOHF9PlBlVdaJjm/s1600-h/PAISLEY.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175801957513822642" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdy7_gZOhc4uKswMPED63FSJ1tONyPmTi1mhSTB7WkYon2IkXkxkBuRhkZzZQnUSt8E1lbe0n5MI5zSVo-rKknknJvKa7-WZdr6oZ8E4jeWW6cEGQrz8EapOHF9PlBlVdaJjm/s200/PAISLEY.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last week's announcement that Ian Paisley (the original) is to retire came just two weeks after Ian Junior (the young pretender) handed in his resignation from the office of Junior Minister. Many had predicted this turn of events in light of the lost credibility of his son and as a result of the increasingly uncomfortable 'chuckle-brother' partnership formed with Martin McGuinness.<br /><br />Eighty-two next month, the larger than life politician will no doubt be the subject of various documentaries charting his rise to prominence within Northern Irish and indeed UK politics. Despite the phenomenal change in policy in the past 12 months, most followers have refused to do anything but praise 'the Doc'.<br /><br />The BBC, interested in the student point of view, interviewed a group of Queen's students on The Politics Show earlier today. Among them, Andrew Charles and Thomas Hogg spoke of the DUP as a "family party which every new member is welcomed into". Although certainly "different" after Paisley's departure, these young Unionists hope the party will continue to thrive and "serve the Unionist community" to the best of its ability.<br /><br />So, the ultimate 'Never say "Never...Never...Never...Never"' man's reign is coming to an end. Will there ever be another like him? Is he deserving of the praise he has received from all corners of politics? Or is this giant of Unionism simply a sell-out, having succumbed to the trappings of power?Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-75505889750139446472008-03-07T15:11:00.006+00:002008-03-26T14:01:04.442+00:00Rag Mag, PTQ, for sale<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBE4yn-8UpLaJAzFsaq2YcBp0CkMY41kaxRjmuo-8b_-jG9kKQuaCEWBUPzJYdHsV7zJnq0ln0rUnq8SDVGVKxlL4mMwNayKnYNxydYdd_oOWoLc_8nVh2kU2Suyxi7xF4mlw/s1600-h/ptq_2008_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175024787476578722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBE4yn-8UpLaJAzFsaq2YcBp0CkMY41kaxRjmuo-8b_-jG9kKQuaCEWBUPzJYdHsV7zJnq0ln0rUnq8SDVGVKxlL4mMwNayKnYNxydYdd_oOWoLc_8nVh2kU2Suyxi7xF4mlw/s200/ptq_2008_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>PTQ, the annual RAG magazine, was released for sale to the public yesterday. The original release date was set for last Monday to coincide with the beginning of RAG week, however this date was pushed back due to "printing difficulties".</div><br /><div>At £2 per issue, all the proceeds will go to the chosen RAG charities this year (The Rape Crisis Centre, Aware Defeat Depression, Northern Ireland Children's Hospice and the Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-Harm) . This charitable society within the Union has encountered difficulties since September with appointed Organiser, Robbie Davis, having gone AWOL at the beginning of the year. </div><br /><div>RAG has become less visible within the student community at Queen's in recent years for various reasons, namely lack of student interest, as cited in <em>The Gown's</em> last issue. It seems the antics of former RAG committees are no more and the £30,000 cheque presentations are a thing of the past.</div><br /><div>Make sure to grab a copy of PTQ - it's for charity folks!</div><div> </div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Contact Sarah McCaffrey </span></em><a href="mailto:su.dp@qub.ac.uk"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">su.dp@qub.ac.uk</span></em></a></div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-81837379146156085692008-03-05T20:47:00.006+00:002008-03-08T14:54:15.913+00:00"It better be good!"This is not just an idle threat to newly elected VP Campaigns and Communications, James Murphy, from runner-up Andrew Gordon. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Gown </span>would like to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prescibe</span> this bitter little pill to the whole executive.<br /><br />The crowd, gathered in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bar Sub,</span> were privy to a few surprises as the results of the 2008 Executive Elections were announced. Although underdog Michael Collins did not take the Presidency, his 969 votes did not provide the landslide victory <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Helferty</span> had expected. In fact, in the President-elect's acceptance speech he made an aside to confirm his shock at such a closely contested result.<br /><br />What was originally pitched as a foregone conclusion, hopes of "The Dream Team", were dashed by James Murphy's election to the newly created position of Campaigns and Communications.<br />In his acceptance speech, Murphy stated: "I'd just like to thank all the voters, campaigners and well-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wishers</span>, as well as all those who congratulated me. Although one person's absence deserves note...it's a pity she didn't have the good grace to say 'well done'."<br /><br />Paul Courtney, the new VP of Clubs and Societies left the crowd cringing at his no holds barred acceptance speech. He refused to apologise for 'pissing people off', open-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">handedly</span> asking the crowd what they wanted him to do, "Cut it off?!".<br />Never one to comment, <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Gown</span> would like to leave the answering of this question to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bloggers</span>.<br />Courtney also lackadaisically apologised for his absence on the first day of voting: "Unfortunately I couldn't make it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">on Tuesday</span>, but sure I was half cut".<br /><br />Conceding her defeat to the position of VP for Clubs and Societies, Debbie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McCook</span> took the opportunity to thank her loyal supporters, especially those who put her straight on when exactly voting began.<br /><br />Kelly, Brogan and McAleavey (the latter ran unopposed) made their appreciation clear in their acceptance speeches, rounding off an eventful round of election results.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Gown </span>looks forward to a colourful year with this not-so-secret Seven.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-31118734663660950412008-03-05T20:41:00.002+00:002008-03-05T20:46:50.573+00:00So who got elected then?President: Ciárnan Helferty<br /><br />VP Campaigns and Communications: James Murphy<br /><br />VP Education: Kevin Kelly<br /><br />VP Welfare: Fergus McAleavey<br /><br />VP Community: Laura Hawthorne<br /><br />VP Equality and Diversity: Shane Brogan<br /><br />VP Clubs and Societies: Paul CourtneyGown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-79179413289487799452008-03-05T15:15:00.004+00:002008-03-05T18:00:37.367+00:00Election 'mild temperature' grips Queen's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl7uv_D0ayADikCVBSKKz0040LyZ5jNqTlYV3wnyoPAnEGynVqUr26DxHlMY-k2BVofpQsJfbuXfdzEgwgn-5C_jw7pTY_1tpOXRVHGdZ0EmKi1g74p0VAPngJcsHmAY08o_R/s1600-h/sabb_elections08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174318966360323282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl7uv_D0ayADikCVBSKKz0040LyZ5jNqTlYV3wnyoPAnEGynVqUr26DxHlMY-k2BVofpQsJfbuXfdzEgwgn-5C_jw7pTY_1tpOXRVHGdZ0EmKi1g74p0VAPngJcsHmAY08o_R/s200/sabb_elections08.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Early indications show a lower turnout to the Sabbatical Elections than last year. At lunchtime today the total number of voters was just over 2000 students. The Online voting system, introduced last year, has increased participation but with a population of nearly 24,000 students at Queen's there is still an underlying apathy.<br /><br />The circus performers from the 2007 elections returned minus the drum beats, but still succeeded in drawing some extra attention to the polling booths inside.<br /><br />Again the sense of personality over policy has dominated proceedings. Presidential Candidate, Michael Collins, has praised those who have taken an interest but maintains 'outsiders' will always be at a disadvantage. "It's a popularity contest. It's good to see real issues being talked about but others have hijacked my manifesto issues simply to get votes".<br /><br />The usual underhand claims and counter-claims have been made as the voting deadline draws to a close. One person canvassing on behalf of another candidate was accused of taking leaflets supporting rival candidates from voters' hands. However no formal complaints have been made and the allegations have been laughed off by those allegedley involved.<br /><br />The election results are due to be announced in Bar Sub at 6.30 pm this evening.</div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-54146604111019116442008-03-01T17:21:00.006+00:002008-03-02T16:46:55.625+00:00The election race is stalled from the starting blocks<em>The view of an anonymous first year student on our Students' Union Elections.</em><br /><br />As St. Patrick’s Day approaches every year, the fact that Americans want to be more like the Irish is confirmed. As the Students' Union Elections 2008 approach however, it is glaringly obvious that the student candidates in Belfast are in no way taking a leaf from their American political counterparts' books.<br /><br />To be more precise, consider the fact that American Presidential candidates work for years seeking party nomination, before they spend several intense months canvassing the nation to ensure votes. The Union elections of this year take place this week and I have yet to be approached by a Presidential candidate seeking my vote.<br /><br />Alright, so it's nowhere near the scale of an election which offers control of the world's most powerful nation, but the objective is surely the same - to appeal to your electorate and achieve the largest number of votes.<br /><br />Of course, the Union building itself is covered with posters of hopeful candidates; but they’re all black and white, they all have a picture, and they all embolden a name that means nothing to me. Basically, it seems that they’re all promising the same thing, using slightly different words.<br /><br />We have only to look at the hotly contested category of Vice President of Communications and Campaigns to see the lethargy of this election campaign. Of the three candidates running for the post it seems to me that only one, James Murphy, has thought outside of the Union and placed posters around the Elms village - a prime target for votes. Isn't it a little ironic that the other candidates for COMMUNICATION are unwilling to take a step outside of their executive realm towards the influential first year electorate. Indeed, Elms itself is a breeding ground of support to these candidates, and the fact remains that the only other posters dotted around the student village are those running on the above candidate's ticket.<br /><br />So forget about student activism, ignore voter apathy; the real issue at stake here is the unwillingness of the candidates themselves to adequately <em>earn</em> their votes. On that note, I can’t help but wonder if this is a sure sign of how (in)effective some of these candidates will be if they make it into Office.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-80137610761537637372008-03-01T16:44:00.004+00:002008-03-01T17:08:06.199+00:00It's Collins v Helferty for President- Ryan McAleer<br /><br />The 2008 sabbatical elections are here! This year is significantly different however as there are seven black padded leather chairs up for grabs instead of the usual five.<br /><br />For those of you clueless to what will be going on the 4th and 5th of March, (i.e. – anyone not on the exec or student council) Queen’s students will vote via QOL for a new President along with 6 Vice-Presidents. Those elected will form the new student executive for next year, taking a £15k-per-post salary in the process.<br /><br />As usual we are being promised the world as candidates map out visionary utopias of ‘their union’ on black and white A4 paper. This year’s presidential race pits the sitting Vice-President for Welfare, Ciarnán Helferty, against relative new-comer Michael Collins who is running under the banner of ‘people before profit’.<br /><br />Expect the usual bad custom-made t-shirts and free lollipops next Tuesday and Wednesday (4th & 5th March) as candidates vie for your vote. Looking beyond Helferty’s manifesto, the fact he was nominated by current President John Roger and seconded by VP Clubs & Services Steffan Rafferty suggests a certain retention of the present regime. Running on his ticket are some familiar faces among union societies, Andrew Gordon (VP Campaigns and Communications), Shane Brogan (VP Equality and Diversity), Laura Hawthorne (VP Community) and Michael Bower (VP Education). Fergus McAleavey could be forgiven for taking it easy on the canvassing front next week as the sole contender for election to the seat of VP Welfare - or perhaps that would under-estimate the popularity of RON? <br /><br />It seems Michael Collins is up against it to overcome such a well established presence within union governance. His manifesto is logo and slogan friendly and with fees, housing, racism, green issues and protest on the agenda he is obviously appealing to ‘left politics’. Unionists shouldn’t be too scared of the famed nationalist's namesake however, as he envisions “a centre for bringing people together”. Also running on his ticket is Paul Simpson (VP Campaigns and Communications).<br /><br />Other candidates include James Murphy (VP Campaigns and Communications) from the present Law Society (whose manifesto boasts a generous endorsement from the Law Soc President, who doubles as a housemate and bosom buddy). Kevin Kelly (VP Education) and Paul Courtney (VP Clubs and Societies) are running on the same ticket.<br /><br />Rhonda Milligan (VP Community) and Jeremy Bennett (VP Clubs and Societies) run on a joint DUA-Queen’s Ulster Unionists ticket with Jonathon Crawford (VP Equality and Diversity) running under a simply ‘unionist’ label. LGBT President Debbie McCook runs for VP Clubs and Societies with Colin McShane running for VP Education with the endorsement of the current seat-holder, Michal Harkin.<br /><br />Elections take place exclusively online over Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th of March. View candidate’s manifestos on <a href="http://www.qubsu.org/index.cfm?do=side&id=99" target="_blank">http://www.qubsu.org/index.cfm?do=side&id=99</a>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-48160838085676477872008-02-18T15:20:00.007+00:002008-03-02T16:49:07.086+00:00Junior Junior Resigns - What a difference a year makes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFLxn-Ty_M7HOOxJF7B4nrn4XvYR9mVQ4rpn1Q3Ty4No_LDIXWukC8Rk7iwjVlpw7BhRcrF2THN5fpRBX_9y4kgTQKMDx7O9x6NAdkD2hRZridykODJSUEpwGtFnrU8YDgrp0/s1600-h/Ian+Jr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168356281802958226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFLxn-Ty_M7HOOxJF7B4nrn4XvYR9mVQ4rpn1Q3Ty4No_LDIXWukC8Rk7iwjVlpw7BhRcrF2THN5fpRBX_9y4kgTQKMDx7O9x6NAdkD2hRZridykODJSUEpwGtFnrU8YDgrp0/s200/Ian+Jr.jpg" border="0" /></a>The news today that Ian Paisley Jr has handed in his resignation as Junior Minister, followed a turbulent few months in his high-profile post.<br /><br />The politician (pictured) talked to <em>The</em> <em>Gown </em>in September about the eventful 12 months which had passed since the Fresher's Bazaar 2006 when he had demanded that Sinn Fein "cross the Rubicon" before any power-sharing would take place. Ian Jr told us he enjoyed the "business-like relationship" he had with his nationalist colleagues. It looks like another interesting interview set for this year's clubs and societies day...if he shows up.<br /><br />There were calls for his resignation following anti-gay remarks made in September 2007. Mr Paisley admitted he is "pretty repulsed by gay and lesbianism". However the storm eventually calmed...just in time for allegations that he had lobbied on behalf of his own constituents with regard to a lucrative land deal. His associations with Seymour Sweeney and others were called into question and a barrage of complaints followed.<br /><br />Of course the Queen's graduate states firmly that his resignation is in the interests of his party, who he feels have been subjected to unfair criticism as a result of the allegations, rather than a sign of guilt on his own part.<br /><br />What do you think? Was it time for him to go? Could the Junior Minister's resignation have any resulting effect on his father's time in office as First Minister? Is the Paisley-ite reign coming to an end so soon after it began?Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-72973180462608762632008-02-12T16:24:00.001+00:002008-02-18T16:04:48.312+00:00American Elections<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168351784972199282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf6BqkO_9KWlQaGXZWZVg90slywFnoFOFf0S1JH8Sw6O_Zlv0G-Ig8iXc0A6aWs6gvixcT-zwNYwR00n8f-YnM13vcf94Vk3u-Hqzjl3PD16f-JkNTAQCGq2UfPlT0goXubi8/s200/american+flag.jpg" border="0" /><em>Victoria McMullan gives an update on the recent happenings in the US elections</em><br /><br />First of all let’s remember for a few seconds the casualties on the road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. On the Democrat side John Edwards gracefully, or is that inevitably, accepted his gooseberry status and dropped out so Hillary and Barak could spend some quality time together. For the Republicans an honourable mention goes to Rudi Giuliani, he came (late), he saw and then, well he lost.<br /><br />Mitt Romney felt the chill blast of reality when he dropped out last week. A pragmatic move in the face of failing support, or the possibility of second billing on the ticket in November?<br /><br />Meanwhile the two runners who are left in the Republican race both have popularity issues. While Huckabee has received a recent surge in support following Romney’s decision to drop out he is still viewed with misgiving by the Republican faithful who are suspicious of his tax and spend reputation - they want tax cuts and they want them now! While he has the support of the Christian Right others might turn to him just because he isn’t John McCain. Possibly taking over from Hillary Clinton as the person Republicans hate most McCain has inspired vitriolic diatribes from those doyennes of the right wing media the right wing radio hosts. When they hate you you must be doing something right, oh wait that only works if you’re a Democrat! These are the people who McCain should be relying on but at least he can take comfort in an endorsement from President Bush.<br /><br />Hilary and Barak have continued their squabbling but while Obama is gaining momentum Clinton is losing money and her campaign manager. This neck and neck Democratic campaign will go to the wire meaning the party must unite quickly behind the eventual victor. At least the Republicans can get their infighting out of the way now.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-35233123058899574802008-02-12T12:53:00.000+00:002008-02-12T12:54:45.309+00:00New Sabbs in place of Non-Sabbs- Ryan McAleer<br /><br />The Student Council has overwhelmingly voted in favour of scrapping non-sabbatical officers and creating two new paid sabbatical roles for the student union. This will bring the total number of full time paid sabbatical officers to seven in time for elections in March.<br /><br />The portfolio’s of the ‘non-sabbs’ will be transferred into six ‘vice-president’ (VP) sabbatical roles under the Union President. Along with the two new roles of ‘VP Community’ and ‘VP Equality and Diversity’, the role of Deputy President will be scrapped in favour of a ‘VP for Campaigns and Communications’ to better clarify the role.<br /><br />According to the report recommending the changes, the two new positions will cost “in the region of £31-32k”, bringing the total salary of the union executive to approximately £110,000. The ‘Report from student officer review sub-group’ states: “It is estimated that the Students’ Union will have adequate funds in its budget to cover this cost. In the event that this is not the case, an assurance has been given from the Director of Student Plus that funding will be drawn from Student Plus Reserves.” Translated: Queen’s University will pay.<br /><br />The recommendations from the report stimulated much debate at the council meeting of February 11th before finally being adopted. A number of councillors addressed their council colleagues urging caution against any rash ‘rubber stamping’ for the sake of it. The cost of paying seven officers weighed heavily in arguments against the adopting of the recommendations in the report. However their pleas proved in vain as a large majority of councillors finally backed the motion of scrapping ‘non-sabbs’ and creating the new posts.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-45740089032617098532008-02-11T20:14:00.000+00:002008-02-11T20:47:58.232+00:00Queen to visit Queen's...maybe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO4Y-419PV1uOSjBmRBuG2Z7ya2E4eXDc_GmTEIAr2dm_vKjBy6EDQiwmLb0vE8f-Z3n-uyA5TqyuUJw4La0W99KBaYUwSSFMIXiKLNVBB6tFiPMJa46Ta3lrcWj12omrRbDp/s1600-h/queenCAMERA200406_450x450.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165827113001297218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO4Y-419PV1uOSjBmRBuG2Z7ya2E4eXDc_GmTEIAr2dm_vKjBy6EDQiwmLb0vE8f-Z3n-uyA5TqyuUJw4La0W99KBaYUwSSFMIXiKLNVBB6tFiPMJa46Ta3lrcWj12omrRbDp/s200/queenCAMERA200406_450x450.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tonight's student Council meeting proved that Northern Irish society truly has moved on from the dark days of the past. A motion to invite the Queen to the University in this, its centenary year, was not only passed by an overwhelming majority but was enthusiastically welcomed by most present at the gathering.<br /><br />Proposed as a fitting recognition to the University's name (after the current Queen's great grandmother), the motion took a very short time to be passed, compared to other motions on the night - due to its high level of relevance to the student body? Or perhaps due to a tongue-in-cheek attitude taken by the majority of voters?<br /><br />VP Welfare, Ciarnan Helferty offered his spare bed in response to a concern over the financial feasability of a visit from Her Royal Highness. However Cllr Michael Shilliday subsequently reassured councillors that "the Royal Household" pays for such visits.<br /><br />It is not yet known when the invitation will be sent, or if Liz (in the interests of not offending anyone reading this: Betty, M'am and all the rest) will indeed take up the offer of a day at "this fine institution".<br /><br />We await your response with bated (minty fresh) breath your Majesty!</div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-13234333506451527272008-02-07T17:37:00.002+00:002008-03-02T16:50:07.523+00:00New Issue Out Now!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFJrnCqHVE_JiWL0KFKjtR3f6C9UI9UrFftrJe3fqk62doEZVk0hqgSB_ND8IVXObbwoyhBrJw0JHst5dIgP9yZMgR_W-JbXaBiOBXnCf1Fo2cekZbbdQUAt7sYPzFITtJbQc/s1600-h/Blog+Feb+Issue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164294504581572674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFJrnCqHVE_JiWL0KFKjtR3f6C9UI9UrFftrJe3fqk62doEZVk0hqgSB_ND8IVXObbwoyhBrJw0JHst5dIgP9yZMgR_W-JbXaBiOBXnCf1Fo2cekZbbdQUAt7sYPzFITtJbQc/s200/Blog+Feb+Issue.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Gown has re-entered cyberspace. We're sorry for the shortage of posts lately - we've been working on the first issue of the New Year which is out now. </div>Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-38605989640795652642008-02-07T13:19:00.001+00:002008-02-07T14:35:57.155+00:00Results MayhemWe at <em>The</em> <em>Gown </em>have felt the massive delay in the publication of exam results on Queen's Online was in need of investigation. The original deadline stated on the Queen's website was Tuesday 5th February; that has long since passed. In the meantime students have been left to sweat it out a little longer and many are in a state of utter confusion.<br /><br />A warning was posted on the QOL results page for all students on Wednesday stating that results viewed may not be reliable. Many students were then left in the lurch as to whether the passes or failures they were viewing were their real results.<br /><br />Technical difficulties have been blamed for the whole affair and, after having been transferred to four separate departments we finally got what sounded like a solid answer from someone in the know. Alan Collins of Information Services and Administration support told <em>The</em> <em>Gown, </em>"There was a system fault, one of the servers crashed and there has been a backlog since then".<br /><br />Rumours that incorrect results were posted and subsequently removed were not confirmed. A spokesperson for the Records office in the Student Guidance Centre said "There was a problem which was rectified as quickly as possible".<br /><br />It is hoped every Queen's student will have the correct results by Friday 8th February. Anyone who still has concerns thereafter is advised to contact their school for more information.<br /><br />If the delay has affected you, have your say here!Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-81898414813806138382008-02-07T13:09:00.001+00:002008-02-07T17:30:23.962+00:00Non-Sabbs ditchedThe term ahead will no doubt see much more happening within the Union - from rivalry between election candidates, to ridiculousness and perhaps even some action from the Student Council.<br /><br />The proposed ditching of the non-Sabbatical posts will come before the Council at the first meeting next week. It is thought the 6 part-time unpaid positions will be replaced by two full-time paid positions: VP Communities and VP Equality and Diversity. The current post of Deputy President is also in the offing to be replaced by a VP Communications and Campaigns. The largely inactive nature of this year's Non-Sabbs has been criticised and is thought to have been the catalyst for change. Those current 'duties' of the Postraduate Student Officer will also come under the remit of VP Education.<br /><br />What do you think of the propsed changes? Was it time for the Non-Sabbs to go?Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-16722279125111628962007-12-19T15:22:00.000+00:002008-02-03T19:13:23.306+00:00Signing off for '07We would like to inform all our 'posters' that <em>The Gown blog </em>will be taking a break over this Holiday Season to relax, unwind and mentally prepare for another 'colourful' year of blogging in 2008.<br /><br />Thanks to all who have visited, read and commented (constructively) - we will return in '08 with a renewed spirit of dedication to uncover the major stories affecting us all in Belfast and beyond.<br /><br />For now, let's remember 2007 as a year of love (eh Ian and Marty?), laughs (as before) and most importantly lollipops!<br /><br />Season's Greetings from <em>The Gown</em> team.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19518344.post-18158294262435093282007-12-13T15:53:00.000+00:002007-12-27T15:28:31.419+00:00New Environmental Committee at Queen's SUQUB Greens have secured the setup of the first ever Environmental Committee at Queen's Students' Union after submitting a proposal to the SU Council. The University ranked quite highly in People and Planet's 2007 'Green League Table' but co-chair of the Greens Mark McCormick stated that "QUB recycles only 17% of its waste and only 17% of its energy is renewable energy so a lot more needs to be done".<br /><br />Currently Queen's has a publicly available environmental policy, full time environmental staff, a comprehensive environmental audit and a green travel plan but the Greens feel there is room for improvement. This is especially true in light of the recent revelation that many University staff told the University's environmental officer, Adrian Davis, that they were "only here to teach" rather than take note of green issues.<br /><br />The main grievance felt however was the lack of a student platform to voice concerns on the issue. During an Environmental Debate as part of the Union's 'Political Activism Week' Martin Doherty of Belfast City Council and Mr Davis pledged their support for the creation of such a committee to ensure students have a say.<br /><br />Mark is confident the recognition of this committee is the beginning of a greener future for Queen's and will give students a voice while also educating them on environmental issues. "It will make things a lot easier when campaigning for improved environmental performance because this committee will be a legitimate body of the Students Union which will hold the SU Executive to account, on environmental issues, who in turn will then be obliged to hold the University to account."<br /><br />The Greens, recognised only three months ago themselves, expect real changes to take effect in the New Year as a result of the Committee’s setup.Gown Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13291780273890380936noreply@blogger.com56